Mercado impresses Smart Gilas 5 coach

Coach Rajko Toroman knew he made a valuable decision tapping Sol Mercado at the end of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas five workout Wednesday night. “I’m satisfied with his first practice,” said Toroman of the 6-foot-1 Rain Or Shine playmaker. “With what he had shown, I think he will fit into the team.” Mercado impressed Toroman with a neat crossover that could throw off any guard and an accurate step-back three-pointer on either foot.

But Toroman liked most the shifty guard’s ability to defend and stay with his man despite a mesh of endless picks and screens. “Individually, he has the skills that I need from a guard. He’s quick, aggressive, good shooting and most importantly, he can really defend,” said Toroman. Toroman said the 6-foot-9 Taulava and Kelly Williams missed the practice at the Arena.  He said Taulava called in sick while Williams attended the PBA Press Corps Awards Night where the 6-foot-7 power forward was named Comeback Player of the Year. Both players promised to show up Monday next week. Mercado, Taulava and Williams were loaned by the PBA and their respective teams to beef up the national team to the Guangzhou Asian Games on Nov. 12 to 27.